Visiting Lakeland with toddlers and little kids: the plan.
Spend the morning at the Florida Children’s Museum, then walk over to the park playground.
Top 1 can’t-miss spots
One day or two in Lakeland
A couple of big stops, a real lunch and a nap in the middle. Tap a stop for the full listing.
MORNINGFlorida Children’s MuseumOpens at 10 · Bonnet Springs Park, 600 Bonnet Springs Blvd · $20 per person
AFTER NAPBonnet Springs ParkPlayground until the gates close at 7 · 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd · FreeDay 1 is the one-day plan above. Day 2:
MORNINGFlorida Children’s MuseumSunday closes at 3 · Bonnet Springs Park, 600 Bonnet Springs Blvd · $20 per personAFTER NAPAGB Museum of ArtOpens at 1 on Sunday · Florida Southern College, 800 E Palmetto St · FreeKid-friendly areas near the big attractions
Pick the area by the stops you’ll make most, then plan around nap.
Rainy-day backup plan
If the forecast turns, swap the outdoor stop for one of these.
Practical tips
Parking, strollers, changing tables and the best times to go.
Santa and Christmas lights in Lakeland
If your trip lands in the holiday season, these two pages have the dates, prices and booking links.
Happening while you’re here
This week’s top events in Lakeland. The full list, with hours and the forecast, is on the this-week page.
Visiting Lakeland with toddlers: the FAQ
Is Lakeland kid-friendly?
For a family with kids under 6, yes. Our Lakeland guide lists 4 places we checked for little kids, plus 3 free places and 1 pick for babies and toddlers. This week’s list has 7 dated outings for ages 0–6. See free things to do in Lakeland and this weekend’s list.
Where should we stay?
Near downtown keeps Bonnet Springs Park and Lake Mirror a short drive away.
What about December?
The Lakeland Christmas Parade runs Thursday, Dec 3, at 7pm, with fireworks over Lake Mirror.
Get the list every Thursday.
One short email every Thursday evening with the five things we’d leave the house for in Lakeland.